-
When slaving away in the kitchen it can be hard to feel glamorous and beautiful, but with one of these fabulous vintage inspired aprons by Jessie Steele you can’t help but feel uplifted. Delicious vintage inspired fabrics are edged in solid ribbon, clearly defining the cute scalloped skirt, while each apron pocket features a long bow for a feminine yet sophisticated accent. Steele Aprons are available in both full and half lengths and in a range of fabulous fabrics. Personal favourites include the classic cherry pattern on the full Ava Apron shown, and the sophisticated Eiffel Tower print shown on the half Ava Apron. The perfect accessory when hosting dinner parties or for your everyday domestic goddess, Jessie Steele brings romance and glamour back into the kitchen. Available from find-me-a-gift.co.uk for £24.99 and from Wishingfish.com for $39.95 (Cherry Ava) and $32 (Pink Paris Half Ava).
Posted by Kate on March 1, 2007 12:04 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
For ages I’ve been searching for the perfect way to store fresh cloves of garlic. It obviously needs to be kept dark, cool and well ventilated, but too often the jars were fussy or sculpted to look like garlic. While those all have their place I wanted a more classic style that would blend with my dream of a transitional-vintage kitchen. The Henry Watson Garlic Cellar does just that, made of terracotta it offers an earthy rustic feel while also absorbing excess moisture making your garlic last longer. The simple jar features six large holes for ventilation, but little else to distract from its practical elegance. The lid of the Garlic Cellar is stamped with the vintage inspired label that marks the Henry Watson brand. Henry Watson’s potteries have been producing their classic English earthenware for nearly two centuries. It recalls an era when packaging was durable and hardy, often taking on a long second life. A fabulous new design in a wonderfully vintage style, Henry Watson brings you a Garlic Cellar that offers a practical elegance perfect for any kitchen. Part of the Henry Watson’s Suffolk Collection, the Garlic Cellar is available for £11.95 on Amazon.co.uk
.
Posted by Kate on March 2, 2007 12:25 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Through sophisticated elegant design, the Circle Knife by Menu simplifies the traditional Mezzaluna into a modern object d’art. Designed by Jesper Ranum, the Circle Knife starts as solid ring of mirror polished steel. From both sides the ring is ground down to a fine honed edge along the bottom of the circle. The Circle Knife fits snugly in the hand providing excellent control and comfort. Perfect for chopping herbs, garlic, nuts or chocolate you need only rock the blade back and forth for fine results. The beech board features a slight hollowed surface on both sides easily keeping your ingredients together and under the knife. A recipient of the Reddot Design Award, the Circle knife proves that even practical things can be beautiful. The Circle Knife is available from Amazon.co.uk for £49.95
Posted by Kate on March 3, 2007 12:09 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
The fabulous Newton Milk and Sugar Set is a fluid and captivating design that dramatically suspends the sugar bowl above the milk jug. Inspired by Newton’s law of gravity, the Newton Milk and Sugar Set uses simple physics to create a service that moves and responds to the user. As you pour your cream the sugar bowl shifts and tilts keeping your sweetener safe. Both pieces easily separate for refilling and quick cleaning. Ingeniously simple, yet engaging the Newton Milk and Sugar Set makes even simple tea for two into a special occasion. Made by Tonfisk, the Newton sugar bowl is available for £34.95 from DesignMyWorld.
Continue reading "Newton Milk & Sugar Set by Tonfisk " »
Posted by Kate on March 5, 2007 12:06 AM
| Permalink
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Widely available through Australian stores, the Splash bowls from Independence Studios feature vibrant mouth-watering prints that overflow with character. Printed on Melamine bowls, Splash bowls are perfect for outdoor and summer entertaining. Patterns range from salads and fruits to crisps and sweets, all in bright life like colour. The huge range of bowls plates and cups can be seen on the Australian site Home Couture. In the UK, though not specifically identified as being an Independence Studios product, the visually identical small bowls are available for £3.99 and large bowls for £8.99 from www.totally-funky.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on March 6, 2007 12:05 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Featuring vintage graphics, the London Skyline Double Oven Glove brings the kitchen a fabulous metropolitan style. Created in 1909, this fabulous image originally graced the entrance to Baker Street tube station. Brilliant sharp graphics depict iconic landmarks from along the Thames in a simple silhouette. From the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the beauty and tradition of British architecture are captured in a modern elegant portrait. A sharp modern design that will complement any contemporary kitchen, the London Skyline Double Oven Glove revels in London’s rich history and identity. Made from 100% cotton, the London Skyline Double Oven Glove is available from W2 for just £8.00. (follow the link and scroll halfway down the page)
Posted by Kate on March 7, 2007 12:10 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Aprons are making a huge comeback, but more importantly they are doing it with glamour and sophistication. Modern and stylish the Funky Dot Apron by Domistyle makes a fabulous statement in the kitchen. The perfect complement for both modern dinner parties and glamorous hostesses, the Funky Dot Apron is a deep purple hemmed with a thick pale pink band and features an eclectic pattern of fabulous dots. Made from machine-washable poly-cotton the Funky Dot Apron features an adjustable neck for the perfect fit. A perfect gift for any cook or even yourself, the Funky Dot Apron is available from Hampstead & Norreys for £19.99 or wishingfish.com for $39.95.
Posted by Kate on March 8, 2007 12:02 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
There is something charming and endearing in the simple Burleigh mixing bowls. The last working Victorian pottery in England and still family owned, Burleigh make their wonderful handmade ceramic ware in the traditional English style. The simple bowls feature the classic form we all knew as children. The thick solid rim and rounded pudding bowl base have been a staple of the English kitchen for generations. The Burleigh ware bowls retain this elegant simplicity, only adding a single number to each bowl. The fabulous vintage font is in a bold cranberry red that adds rich character to each bowl. The set includes a 3/4 pt, 1pt, 2pt, and 1 1/2pt bowls, making bowl 1 the smallest and bowl 4 the largest. The Burleigh ceramic Mixing bowls are available from Willow & Stone for £50, while a larger bowl set with blue numbers is also available for £68.
Posted by Kate on March 9, 2007 12:11 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Ask your nearest kid and I bet they'll tell you cooking isn't fun, but with the Ice Cream Ball you create yummy homemade ice cream while rolling around on the floor. Perfect for involving young children in the kitchen, the Ice Cream Ball makes ice cream the old fashioned way without the need for electricity. Simply toss your ingredents in one end and ice and salt in the other and get ready to play ball. It does take about 20 minutes, which may be longer than the kids attention span, but the simplicty and ease make it a safe and fun activity. It takes the mystery out of mass-produced foods and gadjets and proves you really can make anything from scratch. A cross between a science experiment and a cooking lesson, the Ice Cream Ball of a great family activity with fabulous rewards waiting at the end! Perfect for taking on picnics and camping, the Ice Cream Ball is available from Firebox £24.95. For more colours in the original pint size or the bigger Mega Ball which makes a quart try Amazon.com
.
Posted by Kate on March 12, 2007 12:02 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
There are several brands of high quality kitchen bin on the market, but many suffer from the black plastic and steel styling so popular in modern gadget design. Unfortunately in transitional and traditional kitchens these sleek modern bins clash horribly with the warmth and friendliness of a family kitchen. The Brabantia Retro Pedal Bin offers all the quality and class of the metal monstrosities, while wrapping them in soft pastel colours. The perfect complement for vintage enamel kitchen accessories, Brabantia blend modern convenience with fabulous style. Each bin is accented by a domed steel lid and simple foot pedal. The Brabantia Retro Pedal Bin has a removable plastic inner bucket and holds 30 Litres. Featuring a state-of-the-art double hinge that is virtually silent, the Brabantia ensures your kitchen is free of rubbish and unpleasant smells. A beautiful simple form in a warm classic style, the Brabantia Retro Pedal Bin is £65 from Heal's.
Posted by Kate on March 13, 2007 12:13 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
For busy cooks and large families dishes seem to appear from no where. If not blessed with enough space for a dishwasher, the kitchen can easily be swamped beneath piles of dirty pans and plates that make it nearly impossible to move. For most dishracks there is simply no way they can hold everything, but now with the new U-Frame Dishrack by Simplehuman, you can clean twice as many dishes at once. Featuring two levels, the U-Frame dishrack stores plates on top and pans below, while knives and forks nest neatly in the detachable utensil holder . Innovative loops on the top rack safely suspend mugs by the handle, while wine glasses dangle by the stem. Both the top rack and bottom tray are removable, which makes for easy cleaning and flexibility. Made of stainless steel, the U-Frame dishrack is durable and rust free ensuring no stains on your draining board or dishes. The U-Frame also features an adjustable spout that directs the water down either the short or long side of the tray and into the sink. The modern clean design creates a dishrack that abounds with function and style. The U-Frame dishrack is available from Simplehuman for £45.99 or $49.99 and from Amazon for £45.00 or $49.99.
Posted by Kate on March 14, 2007 12:29 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
These really are one of my favourite things in the kitchen. Fabulous sturdy bags that seem to be bottomless, the Jutexpo bags get used again and again. The brown bag on the left is from Unicorn Grocery, an independent food co-op in South Manchester. It's from a range of clever iconic bags that are quickly becoming the trendy fashion accessory for the area. It's deceptive small size makes it convenient to carrying around, yet it can hold an amazing amount of groceries. I frequently use it as packed lunch for a whole weekend's worth of food. The second bag is a new release from Tesco, across the natural pale background marches a line of ruby red ladybirds. Certainly a popular bag, we bought one late at night when the racks were fully stocked; by next morning they were all gone and we've not seen them since. Larger than the Unicorn Bag the Tesco bag has a surprisingly soft handle and loads of room. All the bags are made of Jute and easily bio-degrade at the end of their life. The insides feature a smooth coating which is at least water resistant, making them ideal for carrying frozen and chilled foods. Both bags have thick durable handles that are comfortable for carrying even heavy loads without hurting your hands. And best of all they are only £2-£3, so you can afford to leave a couple in the boot of your car. An environmentally and morally sound product that takes pride in its fairtrade policy and Climateneutral status, saving the world has never been so easy. To order a similar product on line try the Eden Project store where they have Green Jute bags for £3.50.
Posted by Kate on March 15, 2007 12:02 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
In the middle of cold and flu season, doctors advise we wash our hands frequently to avoid picking up nasty bugs that make us feel like the walking dead, but this is one microbe you won't want to avoid. This cute wide-eyed innocent looking blob is actually the infamous Rhinovirus, or common cold. The little critter is normally only seen under powerful microscopes, but here has been magnified a millions of times to create a quirky and clever soap dispenser for your kitchen or bathroom. Made of moulded plastic the GIANTmicrobes Soap dispenser holds 17 ounces of your favourite liquid soap, enough to defend the whole family from microscopic dangers. Fantastically cute, it's a dispenser that kids will just love and a fabulous reminder they should always wash their hands. Available from GIANTmicrobes themselves, the Soap Dispenser is just £9.95 or $9.95. It's also available from ThinkGeek for $9.99.
Posted by Kate on March 16, 2007 12:04 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
A traditional style baker's pin, these silicon rolling pins make baking a breeze. Silicon is the newest and best material for use in the kitchen. While in the oven silicon transmits heat evenly, but in the kitchen the silicon rolling pins remain cool while working delicate pastry and shortbread. Fantastically easy to clean with a simple wipe, silicon also resists odours, flavours, and doesn't harbour bacteria. A long hefty rolling pin that's effortless to use, the rolling pin is ideal for even pizza bases and dough. Simple and practical, the Non-Stick Silicon Rolling Pin is 50cm long and available for £19.50 from John Lewis and $29.99 from Amazon.
Posted by Kate on March 19, 2007 12:08 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Ergonomic and elegant, the Typhoon Grip-it Kitchen Utensils bring wooden utensils into the modern age. Carved from a single piece of beech and polished with natural oils, the Grip-it utensils are durable, practical and affordable. The thick comfortable handles feature three silicon rings that make the spoons easy to grip and hold, perfect for even those with arthritis. The Grip-it range includes a lemon reamer, honey dripper, slotted spoon, wooden tongs, a turner, a slotted turner, a selection of spoons, and a range of silicon spatulas. All available for about £2 each, the Tyhoon Grip-it Range is available from Typhoon Europe. In the US, the Typhoon range is available from Typhoon US for $4 to $5 each.
Posted by Kate on March 20, 2007 12:04 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
When it comes to buying new dishes it can be difficult to find the right pattern for your life and kitchen. The current fad for modern minimalist plates look wonderful in the store, but once in your home they can seem lifeless. When serving meals, they often look out of place and more suited to nouveau cuisine. The Valencia Collection offers a traditional style suitable for everyday use. Hand painted terracotta plates offer a rustic beauty that won't go out of fashion. The lemon and lime colours are warm and cheerful, while revealing the unique character of the hand crafted earthenware. Finally one of our favourite pieces is the deep pasta bowl that's so useful for Italian and Indian dishes. Surprisingly light and dishwasher safe, the Valencia Collection offers an irregular beauty for a fabulous price. The Valencia Tableware Collection is available from Marks & Spencer's for:
Valencia Platter - £19.50
Valencia Jug - £19.50
Valencia Pasta Bowl - £7.50
Valencia Dinner Plate - £7.50
Posted by Kate on March 21, 2007 12:18 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Current hygiene standards suggest that several cutting boards are needed in the kitchen. They recommend that ingredients be grouped into meats, vegetables and processed foods; and that a separate board be dedicated to each group to minimise the cross-contaminations. I don't know about your kitchen, but mine is short on space as it is. As a result cutting boards often end up stacked, which doesn't seem to solve the issues of cross-contamination. Eva Solo has designed an elegant unit that offers a workable solution to both hygiene and space issues. The Eva Solo set includes three sweeping white cutting boards, each featuring an identifying icon in the corner. All dishwasher safe, A simplified steak marks the meat board, a graphic carrot identifies the vegetable board, while a knife and fork mark the prepared food board. When placed in the cylindrical aluminium holder, the boards layer to create a sophisticated wave like effect that easily reveals the identifying icon in the corner. The aluminium holder ensures that each board dries separately and prevents contact between them. A compact unit that you'll be happy to display on your counter, Eva Solo have created a fabulous design that captures the beauty in functional design. Eva Solo Cutting Boards are available from Amazon.co.uk for £58.50.
Continue reading "Eva Solo Cutting Boards" »
Posted by Kate on March 22, 2007 12:11 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
The Typhoon Vintage Scales capture the charm of life when time was slower. Featuring streamlined ribs and a traditional pear shaped bowl that makes for easy pouring, the Vintage scales offer beauty as well as function. Typhoon have created a compact design and a large easy to read dial, as it only weighs up to 4 lbs, smaller weights are easy to read, with more space between the markers. Finished in a power coated steel, the Typhoon Vintage Scales are available in pastel cream, blue, pink, and green and in a bright fire engine red. Small enough to fit in even a busy kitchen, yet easy to read and use the Vintage Scales are charming and Functional. Typhoon Vintage Scales are available from Amazon for £25.00 or $39.95.
Posted by Kate on March 23, 2007 12:11 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
This stylish plate not only looks gorgeous, it's clever too. Designed to be used one handed, the DOC'spag plate features a small central cup in which to spin your fork and wind up those long delicious noodles. Made in both ceramic and plastic, the DOC'spag plate is appropriate for fine dining, cocktail parties and outdoor events. Originally invented to help a stroke sufferer, the DOC'spag proves that disabled design need not look like a medical appliance. The plate features lovely sweeps and curves which can also be used to display nouveau cuisine in a new distinctive way. Beautiful and elegant, the DOC'spag creates a tidy and practical, innovative eating experience. Available in red, white, and black from Not On The High Street.
A ceramic Spaghetti Plates is - £10.50
12 plastic Spaghetti Plates are - £12.60
Continue reading "DOC'spag plate " »
Posted by Kate on March 26, 2007 12:09 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Black rubber and stainless steel creates a sleek modern washing up set perfect for contemporary kitchens. Made by Zone Denmark, this washing-up set includes a washing bowl, a washing-up liquid dispenser, dish brush, and dish brush stand. The black rubber ensures a sure grip while also protecting your dishes from being chipped in the bowl, while the matte stainless steel adds a reassuring weight. The 13 inch bowl features a stainless steel base and black rubber sides that finish with a thick rim to offer a firm grip. In the washing-up liquid dispenser a simple sweeping cone elegantly pours from a steel clad nozzle. And finally the steel dish brush dramatically sweeps back to a point, and offers a selection of soft, medium and hard bristles. Black and silver designer accessories, the Zone Denmark Washing-up Set brings modern style into the kitchen.
Washing-Up Bowl - £67.25 or $128
Washing-up Liquid Dispenser - £22.10 or $42
Dish Brush – £39.50 or $75
Dish Brush Stand - £17.30 or $33
UPDATE: You can also get these from hometemptations.com in the UK
Washing-Up Bowl - £44
Dish Brush - £26
Dish Brush Stand - £12
Continue reading "Washing-Up Set by Zone Denmark" »
Posted by Kate on March 27, 2007 12:15 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (1)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
These kitchen storage jars are fabulous bright and modern. The brilliant white ceramic bodies are each marked with a 'hand drawn' icon in vivid raspberry and a natural hand-written font. The Tea, Coffee and Sugar jars are crowned with striped wooden lids that taper down to meet the jar. The hourglass shape gives them a wonderful form and makes them easy to open. The Debenhams tea and coffee set, is bright and clean with a modern raspberry accent. With a matching utensil jar the Debenhams new Colour Story line brings brilliant character and contemporary colour into the kitchen. Each jar is available for £10 while the Utensil Jar is just £8 at Debenhams.com.
Continue reading "Tea, Coffee and Sugar Caddies and Utensil Jars by Debenhams" »
Posted by Kate on March 28, 2007 12:11 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
A fabulous board for small kitchens, the Dual Chopping board by Joseph Joseph adapts to each situation. Normally I'm not convinced by two part chopping boards, but in the Small Dual it works exceptionally well. A compact board, the Small Dual is 28.5 x 19.5 cm (or 11.25 x 7.75 inches). This offers a reasonable workspace, that doesn't take up your whole countertop. If more cutting space is needed the board separates into two, instantly providing twice the space; and due to the small size, it's easy to shift the boards out of the way till needed. By offering both a plastic and wood surface, the Dual provides the best of both worlds; the beauty and durability of beech, as well as the hygienic dishwasher safe polypropylene. All four sides of the board can be used, and four magnets clip the two together for easy storage. The Joseph Joseph Small Dual Chopping board is available in Baby Blue, Sage Green and Bright White for £19.97 fom Amazon UK.
Posted by Kate on March 29, 2007 12:26 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
-
Part of Alessi's newest collection, the Chin Family are a wonderful addition to the kitchen! Made in collaboration with the National Palace Museum of Taiwan, the Chin family embraces and celebrates Chinese culture and history. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, each member fulfils a specific kitchen function. The tall King and Queen Chin with their subtle flora print, replace your salt, pepper or spice grinder. The small Mr and Mrs Chin salt and pepper set stand beside a cute lotus flower. With a matching kitchen timer and the adorable egg cup, the Chin Family can make you smile at any meal. Using a wonderful palette of vibrant pink, blue, gold and green, these figures feature a sophisticated style and rich character. Available from Purves.co.uk you can be the first to own the Chin family for:
King Chin in Green and Yellow - £30
Queen Chin in Blue or Pink - £30
Mr and Mrs Chin pink/blue or green/yellow - £24
Mr Chin Egg Cup blue, pink, or yellow - £13
Posted by Kate on March 30, 2007 12:13 AM
| Permalink
| Comments (0)
Bookmark |
Digg |
del.icio.us |
reddit |
Facebook
